One of the main points behind a dungeon crawler is the loot. I've already explained how sometimes the loot found becomes invisible, but thankfully there's a "sucking" option. However, the quality of what you are sucking up often isn't worth the effort. Too many times I found myself looking at the loot I found and feeling more "meh" than anything else. Maybe it was the equipping options or the way the entire leveling system seemed geared more toward an inexperienced player than at least a moderate dungeon crawler aficionado. You are also leveling up like crazy, so in no time you will be unlocking impressive abilities, extra attributes, and talents. However, don't get your hopes up; the system is designed so that at the end of the game, your main character still won't be able to max out all their stats.

Speaking of characters, players will get to pick from four: Lucas Montbarron, son of the former Grand Master of the 10th Legion; Anajli, an archon or living legend; Reinhart Manx, a descendant of the 10th Legion mages; and Katarina, the illegitimate daughter of the former Grand Master. Each of these characters has different abilities for players to experience. Dungeon Siege III also allows players to enjoy the company of other players, either locally or online.

While I personally love local co-op games, it has long been a problem for games like Dungeon Siege to offer co-op that doesn't interfere with the flow of the game. The first hindrance you and other players will notice is the inability to wander off on your own. You have to stay on the same screen, and while this is normally not an issue, at times it makes playing difficult. The second issue with the co-op is that when a new player joins, they cannot bring their character over into your game, and vice versa. What's even worse is that when said player leaves your game, they don't get any of the loot or weapons they acquired while playing. This is also the case when you open the game up to online players as well. This makes Dungeon Siege III practically a single-player adventure unless you have some friends that don't mind playing with this type of handicap. Even though this is nearly a game-ruining quality, there is one more that shocks me more than anything else. If you have the game open to online players joining in on your quest, they can jump in, race over to a vendor, and sell out you inventory, only to vanish along with your hard-earned loot. How this was allowed to remain in the game without any sort of protective measure makes one wonder.

Dungeon Siege III doesn't set out to revolutionize anything this time around. Instead, it tries to capture the magic of the previous two entries. I wish this title was treated more like a new generation introduction to the franchise, because, in that regard, it does several things right. However, putting the number three behind the title should mean progression. Unfortunately, this feels more like a transgression. Enjoyable for what it is, Dungeon Siege III will entertain for as long you can stand it. Just don't expect things to get much better.

By
Matthew Walker
CCC Site Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.0

GraphicsThe update in graphics is good to look at from a distance, but close examination can practically harm the eyes.

3.5

ControlThe combat is very typical for a hack and slash dungeon crawler. The camera, however, can cause nausea to creep up on even the most seasoned player.

3.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice ActingThe voice actors seem to be doing a boring day job instead of a performance.

3.6

Play ValueWhile many will find fault with the game's various features, it's hard to deny the entertainment that dungeon crawling offers.

3.6

Overall Rating - GoodNot an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend

0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid

2.5 - 2.9 = Average

3.5 - 3.9 = Good

4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy

2.0 - 2.4 = Poor

3.0 - 3.4 = Fair

4.0 - 4.4 = Great

5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

For the first time, players can experience the Dungeon Siege franchise on high-definition consoles.

You can choose to take on this grand adventure by yourself or with friends in co-op multiplayer, online or locally.

Players will pick from unique and highly customizable character classes with a wide range of abilities to choose from.

Uncover a deep storyline that only Square Enix and Obsidian Entertainment can deliver, with weighty player decisions that will impact their alliances, enemies, and the culmination of the overall plot.